Springbok and Lions captain Warren Whiteley has sustained a torn pelvic ligament which will keep him sidelined for up to two months.

Initial reports suggested Whiteley would only be ruled out for three weeks as a result of the recurring groin that forced him to withdraw from the Boks' third Test against France on Saturday.

On Tuesday, the Lions confirmed Whiteley's injury is worse than initially thought, with a scan revealing Whiteley had suffered a tear in his pelvis. He does not require surgery, but is expected to undergo rehabilitation for between six to eight weeks.

Whiteley will thus miss the remainder of the Lions' Super Rugby campaign, and the Springboks' first two Rugby Championship Tests against Argentina. 

Jaco Kriel could captain the Lions in Whiteley's absence.

Photo: Anne Laing/HM Images